Mr. Brady is one of those incredible teachers that has touched Sydney's life forever. He doesn't just teach music, he teaches positivity and kindness and my word- Sydney really needed that in her life! Ever one to run late, Sydney would often tell me sternly that she NEEDED to be out of the house on time. More often than not she was actually early and I'm indebted to anyone who can get my night owl girl moving so quickly in the early morning hours.
The location of the cafeteria/stage is not air conditioned and the poor kids were baking under those lights. Sydney felt like she was going to pass out so the principal pulled her. I told her to take off her Converse and poured what was left of my Stanley on her feet. Giving her my flats, we were able to go to the teacher's lounge for more ice which I put on her neck. She made it back in but missed one of her favorite songs. I'm told Mr Brady made a humorous plea for donations so the entire school can be air conditioned some day.
In the days following the concern, I wrote Mr Brady the following thank you:
In the movie Apollo 13 as the astronauts are about to re-enter earth’s atmosphere, the director of NASA expresses his concerns to the lead flight director Gene Kranz. The heat shield could be damaged, the parachutes might be 3 blocks of ice, essentially the astronauts might die with all the world watching and it could be the biggest disaster NASA had ever experienced. Gene says, “With all due respect, sir, I believe this is going to be our finest hour.”
For our family, last night was your finest hour. Yes it was hot. Yes Sydney missed A Million Dreams to cool off. Yes she now knows what it’s like to be under intense stage lights. But your influence on her life is immeasurable. She is not a morning person but whenever she had choir, she made sure she was ready to go. Sydney struggled a lot this year- even expressing suicidal thoughts. Chorus was balm of Gilead for her and we could not be more grateful for that safe space.
The concert was incredible. The kids sounded amazing and we are so thankful you have been a part of Sydney’s life at this crucial time for her. Undoubtedly there are many parents waiting to throw their two pennies at you on how the concert should have been managed better. I’d just like to say it was fantastic, and thank you.
For our family, last night was your finest hour. Yes it was hot. Yes Sydney missed A Million Dreams to cool off. Yes she now knows what it’s like to be under intense stage lights. But your influence on her life is immeasurable. She is not a morning person but whenever she had choir, she made sure she was ready to go. Sydney struggled a lot this year- even expressing suicidal thoughts. Chorus was balm of Gilead for her and we could not be more grateful for that safe space.
The concert was incredible. The kids sounded amazing and we are so thankful you have been a part of Sydney’s life at this crucial time for her. Undoubtedly there are many parents waiting to throw their two pennies at you on how the concert should have been managed better. I’d just like to say it was fantastic, and thank you.
I know Sydney is ready to move on from elementary school, but she (along with all of us) are definitely sad to leave Mr. Brady behind.
